BLACK and Asian police officers in the West Midlands are FIVE TIMES more likely to be investigated for corruption or misconduct compared to their white colleagues.

BLACK and Asian police officers in the West Midlands are FIVE TIMES more likely to be investigated for corruption or misconduct compared to their white colleagues.

The shocking statistic has been revealed in a report that found non-white cops are more likely to face inquiries over allegations including discreditable conduct, honesty and integrity.

Researchers looked into internal investigations conducted since 2007 at West Midlands, Greater Manchester and British Transport Police.

The authors found that the rate of corruption allegations against black and ethnic minority non-uniformed West Midlands staff was six times that of their white colleagues and five times higher among police officers.

In Manchester, non-white officers were nearly three times more likely to be investigated, while they were 2.7 times more likely to face probes at British Transport Police.

Councillor Waseem Zaffar (Lab, Lozells and East Handsworth) said the report, commissioned by Greater Manchester Police, did ‘not make pleasant reading’.

Mr Zaffar, chairman of the council watchdog committee into Social Cohesion and Community Safety, said: “I am very concerned with the findings of this report. ‘The disproportionality highlighted does not make pleasant reading, in particular when you take into consideration the diverse area that West Midlands Police serve.

“The important aspect of this report now is the response of West Midlands Police to address this inequality to ensure equal opportunities and fairness is at the heart of the police force as is expected of all agencies, including those in the public sector.

“The staff associations and unions need to be engaged effectively by senior management in addressing this disproportionately.”

The National Black Police Association has called for urgent intervention by ministers to address the problem.

Its president, Charles Crichlow, said: “The findings of this report vindicate concerns raised over many years regarding officers from different backgrounds being treated differently and unfairly. There is now an opportunity to use this evidence as a catalyst for tackling these issues once and for all.”

West Midlands Police’s Deputy Chief Constable, Dave Thompson, said that the force was committed to tackling inequality.

He added: “The report was commissioned to examine apparent disproportionality between white and non-white officers and staff in respect of allegations of – and investigations into – misconduct and corruption.

“There can be no ‘quick-fix’ to addressing questions of disproportionality and this paper forms part of our considered response to dealing with disproportionality in all its guises. West Midlands Police is committed to providing a service in which the public can have confidence.

“This confidence is rooted not only in how we operate in communities, but also our performance as employers.

“It is imperative therefore that we routinely examine our own practices and procedures.

“The very fact West Midlands Police supported this research project demonstrates our determination to address both the real and perceived integrity and fairness of our practices.”

A spokeswoman for the West Midlands Police Authority said it was also concerned about the findings of the report.

“We know that its findings will have raised concerns for police officers, police staff and the public,’’ she said.

“It is essential that the force upholds its reputation as an employer of choice, treating all staff fairly in accordance with best practice.

“The force will be reporting to us on the steps they are taking to address the report findings.”